BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (WTVF) — A funeral service was held for fallen Brentwood Police Officer Destin Legieza, who was killed last week in a crash while on duty.
The service was held at 2 p.m. at ClearView Baptist Church on Wednesday.
“Destin was the kind of guy I want my daughter to date. He was a genuine and fun guy, I'm so grateful for the relationship we formed," said Brentwood Officer Brent Rowsey.
Officer Legieza worked the overnight shift with several fellow officers. They were all best friends.
“I think our shift is so special because it’s filled with great people and Destin was the best one," said Officer Tim Finney.
After the service, there was a flyover, 21 gun salute, and a riderless horse that escorted the casket away.
“Brother we love you we miss you it won’t be the same without but you will be with us every step every memory," said Sgt. Zach Hartman.
Brentwood Police Chief Jeff Hughes said there will be a hole in their hearts forever. “We’re so blessed that Destin was part of our family... for a little more than five years.”
Watch the full service below:
Legieza was killed on June 18 when his patrol vehicle was hit by a suspected drunk driver. He was the first Brentwood Police officer to be killed in the line of duty.
Hundreds of law enforcement officers from across the region participated in a procession Wednesday morning. City officials asked members of the public to line the procession route.
Watch the procession live from Sky 5 below:
Hundreds of law enforcement officers from across the region participated in the procession to honor the fallen officer @Nc5 pic.twitter.com/OFzoRAx1j3
— Alexandra Koehn (@NC5_AKoehn) June 24, 2020
Friends of Legieza said he came from a line of law enforcement and always wanted to be a police officer. He died doing what he loved -- protecting the community.
His friends and family have experienced an outpouring of support following his death not only from colleagues but also from the general public and officials from other departments. Brentwood Fire Chief Brian Goss, who didn't know Legieza personally, said there's something to be learned from his story.
“I say just be kind to your police officers, be kind to one another. I’ve been doing this for nearly 40 years, and we don’t take for granted when we leave the house in the morning that we necessarily won’t be coming home again,” said Goss.
Authorities say the driver who hit Legieza's SUV has been charged with vehicular homicide by intoxication.
Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation to his family, including his wife Heather, can do so at any First Horizon Bank branch. Franklin Police have also set up a Go Fund Me, which will also go to the family.
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Friends remember beloved Brentwood officer killed in the line of duty
